14 Surprising Causes of Dehydration

Hate it when something leaves you dehydrated? Know the causes of dehydration and stay away from them.

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Dehydration

The loss of significant amount of fluids along with essential salts and minerals from the body leads to dehydration. People who struggle with excessive sweat during the summer are at higher risk of suffering from dehydration than others. Here are the top 14 reasons why you may be dehydrated. Image Courtesy: Getty

Drinking Less Water

One of the most common reasons behind dehydration is the lack of fluids in the body. Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day to avoid dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Alcohol

Since drinking alcohol eventually makes you pee more than normal, it lowers your body's hydration levels. It is easy to drink past your normal limits and this can be as deterimental to health as not drinking enough water. Avoid drinking too much, especially during hot summers, to avoid possible dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Diuretics

Diuretics are substances or foods that increase urine production, which in turn results in loss of fluids from the body. Beverages like coffee, cola and chocolate are some common diuretics. Avoiding diuretics when you are unable to drink lot of fluids can help you to avoid dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Altitude

Your body speeds up breathing and increases the urine output to adjust to higher altitudes. Although, it's natural and necessary at high altitudes, too much peeing and releasing too many vapours during panting can easily lead to dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are not only known to cause health problems like acidity and heart burn, but they are also said to increase the internal body temperature, thereby resulting in loss of body fluids. Avoid gorging on spicy foods to keep dehydration at bay. Image Courtesy: Getty

Certain Medications

Many medications act as diuretics, increasing the urine output and thus also the risk of dehydration. Blood pressure medications are one of the most common medications that may cause dehydration. If your prescription has such a medication listed, increase your fluid intake. Image Courtesy: Getty

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are stored along with fluids inside the body. Reducing carbohydrates intake may reduce the water weight of the body which can even reach levels lower enough to cause dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Excessive Exertion

Every physical activity results in sweating, which is loss of fluid from the body. Exerting a lot of pressure on yourself during summer can be dangerous, causing dehydration. Therefore, keep rehydrating yourself by taking water-breaks in between. Image Courtesy: Getty

Sun

Direct exposure to the sun naturally causes one to perspire more. When you perspire more you tend to lose more fluids from your body and thus, become dehydrated. It is better to stay indoors during summer afternoons when the temperature is way too high. Image Courtesy: Getty

Periods

Changes in the estrogen and progesterone levels during periods may result in decrease in the hydration levels. In some women who have excessively heavy periods, the amount of blood lost is enough to deplete fluid levels, causing dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Dark and Tight Clothes

Darker shades have the tendency to absorb more heat, resulting in more perspiration, while tight fitting clothes make it difficult for the body to cool itself down externally, which eventually hinders the internal body temperature. If it is too hot outside, dark and tight clothes can make you perspire enough to cause dehydration. Image Courtesy: Getty

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your overall blood volume, nausea, vomiting and cardiac output increase and these can take a toll on your hydration levels. If you are suffering from morning sickness, drink some fluids and consult your doctor. Image Courtesy: Getty

Diabetes

When levels of sugar in the blood are too high such as in diabetes, the body tries to get rid of the excess glucose through increased urine output. It may even cause dehydration. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing excessive thirst and the need to frequently use the bathroom. Image Courtesy: Getty

Stress

Stress causes adrenal glands to pump out stress hormones. The same glands also produce the hormone aldosterone, which helps regulate your body's levels of fluid and electrolytes. Due to adrenal fatigue during constant stress, the production of aldosterone drops leading to dehydration and low electrolyte levels. Image Courtesy: Getty

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